Direct Exchange Scheme

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Click here to view the Direct Exchange List

Click here to download a Direct Exchange application form

Direct Exchange scheme

What is it?

This scheme enables you to find alternative accommodation through a mutual agreement between one or more tenants. If you are a tenant of FCHO you can exchange your home with:

  • another tenant of FCHO
  • a tenant from another local authority
  • a housing association tenant
  • a tenant in the Private Rented sector

Your right to exchange home by way of assignment is contained in Section 92 of the Housing Act 1985. It gives secure tenants the right to exchange their home with any of the above tenants. However, tenants granted Introductory tenancies do not have the same legal right to exchange as a secure tenant, though FCHO will exercise its discretion to consider written applications from introductory tenants to exchange their home.

Do I have to tell my landlord if I want to exchange my home with someone?

Yes. You must get permission from FCHO before you can exchange. The tenant(s) you wish to exchange with must also obtain permission from their landlord. If you exchange without permission you could be evicted.

How long will it take for my landlord to give me permission?

FCHO has to carry out some enquiries before it can make a decision. We must however inform you of our decision within 42 days of receiving the request.

If I need to move urgently, can I swap and then get permission?

No. If you do not get permission to exchange, you and the person you exchange with may lose your homes.

Can my landlord refuse my request?

Yes. There are a number of reasons why FCHO may refuse permission:

  • You, or the tenant you wish to exchange with have rent arrears. FCHO may ask you to clear the arrears before giving you permission.
  • The property you or the other tenant intends moving into will cause either  overcrowding or under-occupation. For more information contact your housing officer.
  • The property is adapted which you or the other tenant doesn’t need.
  • The property is reserved for a certain group of people and you do not meet the criteria e.g. sheltered accommodation.

What if my landlord refuses my request?

FCHO has a formal complaints procedure which you can use to challenge the decision. For further information please contact your housing officer.

What do I do if my landlord grants me permission?

You and the other tenant must complete an FCHO tenancy application form stating that you wish to exchange and submit to your local housing office. Once registered your housing officer would then need to carry out an inspection of your home and explain the terms and conditions of the exchange. You will also be given the opportunity to discuss and resolve any breaches of the tenancy agreement. The tenant you wish to exchange with must also inform their landlord so that a similar process can be undertaken. Following the inspection the housing manager would then notify you in writing of his/her decision. If the exchange is approved you will need to contact the other tenant to arrange an appointment to sign the Deed of Assignment and to set an exchange date.

Will FCHO help me move or pay for the removal cost?

No. You are responsible for all removal costs.

I have found someone to exchange my home with but their property needs some repairs. Will FCHO carry out these repairs before I move in?

No. You must be prepared to accept the new property in its present condition. FCHO will only carry out repairs that it is obliged to do. For more information please see the Tenant's Handbook.

I have done the swap but don’t like the new property. Will FCHO exchange it for another?

No. However you’re entitled to ask for a transfer. Your application will be assessed in the same way and placed on the housing register. To secure a transfer to another property you will then need to bid for properties which are advertised for letting every week in the Choice-based Lettings list.

How do I find someone to exchange with?

FCHO keeps a list which contains the addresses of tenants who wish to move to other parts of the Borough. The list contains information about the present property of the tenant, the size of the property and the area they wish to move to. New addresses are included each month and the new list is available at the beginning of each month.